via Instagram's stevehouse10

My friend @rolo_garibotti used to (and surely still does) mock the narrowness of our skill set and the disproportionate amount of time we spend working on our climbing. He has a point. But looking back at moments like this I know that the ability to focus, wherever it is learned, is valuable. Summoning presence in everyday work and relation is valuable. Without this life can so easily be lost to withdrawl and routine without notice. Climbing mountains then, may be good training for conquering love, and life. # When inspired, or sometimes when forced, I can summon a peaceful focus that lets me climb well when the risk is high. It's an odd skill and some people have it, some don't. I don't know why it exists in some and not in others but I hypothesise that like many things we all possess the kernel of it and its development is largely a matter of practice, repetition. Bringing the mind to heel, again and again. # This is an image of me climbing on the first pitch of Ames Ice Hose a few years back. It was thin that day, really thin, and dangerous to lead. I first climbed the Mugs Stump (rock, m6) start to the right. I was there with a photographer and don't like to do anything dangerous in front of a camera. (Death, when it come, is best a private affair.) We then rigged and climbed the beautiful second pitch and, with the shot in the bag, rapped down. # When we rappelled past this first thin pitch I could see that the ice was well bonded to the rock. What inspired me to climb this pitch on that day was the beauty of the ice, the blue perfect frozen orbs I tapped into. But most of all, I was inspired by the opportunity to practice presence in such a peaceful environment with so few distractions. So, I climbed up. # For more about #focus read the Mental #Training chapter in #trainingforthenewalpinism # Photo by #RichardDurnan - climbing

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